In The Spotlight: Edward Simon

My father, Hadsy Simon — at one time an amateur guitarist and singer with a true love for music — was first to introduce me and all my siblings to music.

Entertainment Writer Rick de Yampert gives you the chatter on local music.

Vital Stats

Age: 43

Instrument: Piano

Musical resume: Attended the Philadelphia Performing Arts School, graduating at 15. Studied classical music with concert pianist Susan Starr at the University of the Arts. Studied jazz piano with Harold Danko at the Manhattan School of Music. Recorded 11 albums as leader, including two New York Times Top Ten Jazz Records of the Year: "Edward Simon" (1995) and "Simplicitas" (2005). "Unicity" was voted "Best CD of 2007" by Downbeat magazine. Appeared as guest artist on more than 50 recordings, including Paquito D'Rivera's Grammy-winning "Funk Tango" (Best Latin Jazz Album, 2007) and several Grammy-nominated albums. Also recorded and/or performed with Bobby Watson, Herbie Mann, Terence Blanchard, Kevin Eubanks, Bobby Hutcherson, Greg Osby, Luciana Souza and John Patitucci. Awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2010.

Bands/ensembles you've founded/directed: Edward Simon Trio, Ensemble Venezuela, Afinidad (co-founded and lead with saxophonist/composer David Binney). Currently I'm a member of the ensembles SFJAZZ Collective and Ninety Miles.

Hometown: Punta Cardon, Venezuela

Current residence: Orange City. After living for several years in various parts of the northeastern United States, I was looking for a nice, quiet and warm place to raise a family that is not too far from New York City. I have family in Orlando, so, initially, I moved there. Later, my wife was offered a job at Children's House Montessori School in DeLand, where she has worked as a primary teacher for the past eight years and my two kids, Goren (age 13) and Kira (age 6) have attended. So, we moved to Orange City.

Type of music you perform: The short answer is jazz and original music.

Upcoming area gigs: With Ninety Miles, 7:30 p.m. April 27, University Auditorium, Gainesville. $13-$23 plus service fee, available at Ticketmaster. Information: 352-392-2787.

CDs: Available at Amazon — "Beauty Within," "The Process," "Poesia," "Oceanos," "Unicity," "Simplicitas." Available at CDBaby.com — "Danny Boy," "Fiestas de Agosto," "Afinidad," "La Bikina," "Edward Simon." My upcoming album, my first live recording, "Trio Live in New York at Jazz Standard," can be ordered at usaprojects.org.

Website: edwardsimon.com

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music? My father, Hadsy Simon — at one time an amateur guitarist and singer with a true love for music — was first to introduce me and all my siblings to music. I remember as early as 10, when I was already playing gigs with Nuestro Grupo, a dance band I had with my brother Marlon and other friends in Cardon, clearly making a decision that this was something I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life. The thrill of being on stage and connecting with an audience hooked me forever.

Your website mentions that you seek to fuse classical and jazz, and that you have a fondness for the "ethnic rhythms" of Latin America and for minimalist composers. Does your muse ever say, "Edward, you're trying to serve too many masters"? I have experienced times in my development when I've felt I needed to focus in specific areas, such as classical music when in college, and later, the language of jazz. But it is all music to me. While I do have many musical interests, I don't feel I try to serve many masters as much as to find ways to learn from them — often times simply by listening — and to let certain elements find their way organically into my writing or playing.

What three compositions of yours would you recommend for music fans to get an introduction to your work? "Pere" is a lively Latin tune in 5/4 time which I dedicate to my very good Spanish friend Pedro. It is featured on several recordings including Paquito D'Rivera's Grammy-winning album "Funk Tango," and my upcoming live record "Trio Live in New York at Jazz Standard." "Abiding Unicity" is an emotional, rhapsodic-like gem reflecting my love of melody and classical music ... one in which l feel I've come closest to achieving a balance between structural clarity and freedom for improvisation. Ever since I heard the music of minimalist composers such as Phillip Glass and Steve Reich, I've been attracted by the idea of bringing minimalism and improvisation into one space. "Impossible Question" is a good example — inspired by the writings of J. Krishnamurti, it brings together elements such as a strong groove, changing textures and improvisation.

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played? Several years ago I had the opportunity to perform in a huge arena in Miami in front of about 50,000 people with Paquito D'Rivera, Israel "Cachao" Lopez and other Latin music greats. This was a fundraising even for the victims of a hurricane that left many people without homes in South Florida. To perform in front of such a great number of people for such good a cause was an unforgettable experience.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with? Miles Davis

What was the last book you read? "No Death, No Fear" by Thich Nhat Hanh

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now? "Like Song, Like Weather" by Norma Winstone and John Taylor

What is your favorite movie? Hmmmm. There have been so many great movies I've seen. I would just mention "Cinema Paradiso."

What was the best concert you ever attended? One of the best concerts I ever attended was the Pat Metheny Group in Philadelphia roughly 17 years ago. Though I've heard this group again in more recent times and thoroughly enjoyed it every time, the combination of the powerful music, exceptional playing, along with the beautifully coordinated light show and the sheer excitement of the audience made for that particular concert a truly memorable experience. It is so amazing to have such a deep connection with your audience.

"If I didn't play music, I would . . . ":

Be a Buddhist monk.

"I'd sell my soul for . . .": I don't believe in a soul, but if I did I wouldn't sell it.